Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Director of Jazz, Boise State Univeristy

banjoist/musician/producer
bluegrass-jazz-rock-abstract

www.ryancavanaughbanjo.com

Ryan Cavanaugh's innovative ideas of how and what is played on the 5-string banjo are occupied by few banjo players and musicians alike. Hailing originally from North Carolina, Cavanaugh’s first appearances as a child featured his hard-driving style on WPAQ radio and with greats like Doc Watson, Doug Dillard, and John McEuen. Cavanaugh is a US Champion of premier traditional banjo contests such as RockyGrass, MerleFest, FiddleFest and RenoFest. Having now honed his now uber-untraditional chops under the wings of Jazz sax legend Bill Evans, Cavanaugh has meticulously developed a technical approach and songwriting craft entirely his own while not compromising his instrument to play new genres. Lauded by roots music authority No Depression, the ambitious and musically relentless Ryan Cavanaugh is, “the most versatile banjo player in the world whose name isn’t Fleck…He can play anything, and he’s proven he’s crafty enough to impress John-Oh-My-God-McLaughlin.” 

Cavanaugh’s newest release, “Back Country,” is a series of “bluegrass/fusion singles” [Bluegrass Today, 2014] featuring Reuben’s Cube (Tribute to Earl Scruggs), Once Upon a Time in Appalachia and the title track, Back Country. 
“One of the best technical players ever.” – Bela Fleck, Elmore Magazine, 2011 

Recommended by John McLaughlin and Béla Fleck in 2006, Cavanaugh has spent nine years touring in the acclaimed saxophonist's Bill Evans Soulgrass band. Cavanaugh records and shares stages with greats Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, John Popper, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Warren Haynes and Robben Ford. In addition to his new series, Back Country, recordings to date include the new grass venture "Songs for the New Frontier" (2006) and the modern jazz tinged "Ryan Cavanaugh and No Man's Land" (2010). All available and distributed by digital resellers. Back Country recordings feature Cavanaugh on banjo, Bill Evans on saxophone, Mark Egan on bass, Tyson Rogers on keyboard, and Joel Rosenblatt on drums.
“Cavanaugh’s bluegrass credibility is undeniable but, while he’ll humbly tell you that he’s still got so much to learn, he’s already a remarkable jazz player.” - All About Jazz Magazine, 2010
“[Cavanaugh]brings his invaluable command of the banjo to the tunes while Latella makes singing like a songbird sound easy.” - Huffington Post, 2014


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